Subtracting a negative number is the same as a subtracting the opposite of the number B adding the opposite of the number c adding the same number

Answer 1

The statement about subtracting a negative number can be clarified using mathematical principles. Let's break it down:

1. Subtracting a negative number: When you subtract a negative number, it is equivalent to adding the positive of that number. For example: \[ a - (-b) = a + b \]

   This means that instead of subtracting \(-b\), you add \(b\).

2. Opposite of the number: The opposite of a number \(b\) is \(-b\). So, adding the opposite of \(b\) would mean: \[ a + (-b) \] But this is not the same as subtracting a negative.

3. Adding the same number: Adding the same number \(b\) to \(a\) would simply be: \[ a + b \]

So, the correct interpretation is that subtracting a negative number is equivalent to adding the same positive number, not the opposite. Therefore:

• Subtracting a negative number \( (-b) \) results in adding the positive number \( b \).
• The phrase "subtracting the opposite of the number" is ambiguous, but generally, it would mean adding the same number.

In conclusion, subtracting a negative number is the same as adding the positive number.